What We Are Reading Today: Creating Symmetry by Frank A. Farris
This book describes how complex numbers unlock the mystery, and how they lead to the next steps on an engaging path to constructing waveforms
Updated 06 December 2018
Arab News
This lavishly illustrated book provides a hands-on, step-by-step introduction to the intriguing mathematics of symmetry. Instead of breaking up patterns into blocks — a sort of potato-stamp method — Frank A. Farris offers a completely new waveform approach that enables you to create an endless variety of rosettes, friezes, and wallpaper patterns: Dazzling art images where the beauty of nature meets the precision of mathematics.
Featuring more than 100 stunning color illustrations and requiring only a modest background in math, Creating Symmetry begins by addressing the enigma of a simple curve, whose curious symmetry seems unexplained by its formula. Farris describes how complex numbers unlock the mystery, and how they lead to the next steps on an engaging path to constructing waveforms. He explains how to devise waveforms for each of the 17 possible wallpaper types, and then guides you through a host of other fascinating topics in symmetry, such as color-reversing patterns, three-color patterns, polyhedral symmetry, and hyperbolic symmetry.
Along the way, Farris demonstrates how to marry waveforms with photographic images to construct beautiful symmetry patterns as he gradually familiarizes you with more advanced mathematics, including group theory, functional analysis, and partial differential equations. As you progress through the book, you’ll learn how to create breathtaking art images of your own.
REVIEW: Coldplay blends emotional highs of 25-year catalog with visual artistry in Abu Dhabi
Updated 13 January 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: The biggest rock tour of all time (amassing $1 billion and counting) graced Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports Stadium this week in a dizzying flurry of fireworks displays, endless streams of confetti, and celestial bodies that floated over audiences’ heads ever so gracefully.
British rockers Coldplay brought their lauded “Music of the Spheres” tour to the UAE, delivering an unforgettable evening that showcased the band’s enduring appeal and innovative artistry.
The seamless production, relying heavily on visuals and everything from streamers to pyrotechnics, was led by the band’s lead vocalist Chris Martin, who deftly deployed his practiced charisma to work the crowd into a frenzy.
In addition to speaking in fluent Arabic multiple times, Martin went beyond the prescribed amount of obligatory shoutouts to include thoughtful audience interaction.
The band opened their two-hour set with the energetic “Higher Power,” immediately energizing the crowd as their wristbands (dubbed Xylobands by fans) ignited in an explosion of color. Over the course of the evening, they delivered a carefully curated setlist that blended old favorites like “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” and “Viva La Vida” with tracks from their latest album, “Music of the Spheres.”
Opening act Elyanna, a Palestinian-Chilean artist, delivered a striking performance with songs like “Ganeni” and “Mama Eh.” Her duet with Coldplay on “We Pray” was a standout moment of the night.
Coldplay’s dedication to sustainability remained a core feature of the tour. From the use of renewable energy to power their shows to their pledge to reduce carbon emissions, the band demonstrated their efforts to set new standards for environmentally conscious touring.
Ultimately, Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi show was a masterful display of artistry, theatrics and connection. From the immersive visuals to the emotional highs of their music, the concert felt both intimate and epic — a testament to the band’s ability to unite a global audience through their craft.
Rapper Saint Levant teases new music video directed by Lyna Zerrouki
Updated 13 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Algerian director Lyna Zerrouki has directed a new music video for rapper Saint Levant for a song titled “Exile.”
Set to release in full on Tuesday, a snippet of the video released on social media on Monday seemed to feature Moroccan Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi falling through the air against a blue background. Arab News has reached out to Saint Levant’s team to confirm the model’s involvement in the new video.
The short video clips released on Monday also features a shot of the camera panning toward Saint Levant, who is illuminated from behind as rolling fog covers the floor.
Saint Levant, a Palestinian French Algerian Serbian rapper, is known for such songs as “From Gaza, With Love” and “5am in Paris.” He performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival music festival in California in 2024.
The musician used the opportunity to address the ongoing war in Gaza, saying: “Coachella, my name is Saint Levant and I was born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza … as I hope all of you are aware, the people of Gaza have been undergoing a brutal, brutal genocide for the past six months. And the people of Palestine have been undergoing a brutal occupation for the past 75 years.”
Born Marwan Abdelhamid in Jerusalem, the singer previously spoke to Arab News about his childhood.
“The actual cultural makeup is my mom is half-French and half-Algerian. My dad is Serbian, half-Palestinian. And they actually both grew up in Algeria. But they decided, in the early 90s, post the Oslo Accords, that Palestine was going to be free.
“So they went back, my dad went to live in Gaza in the early 1980s. And my dad actually built a hotel there and that’s where I grew up,” he said.
“For everyone, childhood is very meaningful. And for me, it was a juxtaposition because I remember the sound of the drones and the sounds of the bones. But more than anything, I remember the warmth, and the smell … and the taste of food and just the odd feeling of soil.”
Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards
Updated 12 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri took to social media to drum up support for “Bye Bye Tiberias,” which is eligible in the documentary category at the 50th Cesar Awards in France.
France’s answer to the Academy Awards, the Cesar Awards will be held on Feb. 28, with voting for all categories closing on Jan. 28.
The awards are voted on by a cohort of 4,000 professionals in the film and media industries.
Khoudri does not feature in “Bye Bye Tiberias,” French Palestinian Algerian filmmaker Lina Soualem’s documentary feature that follows Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass. Best known for her roles in HBO’s “Succession” and Hulu’s “Ramy,” as well as films including “Munich” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Abbass grew up in the Galilean village of Deir Hanna. In her early 20s, she made the decision to leave her family home and follow her dream of becoming an actress in Europe. Behind her she left her mother, grandmother, and seven sisters.
It is this decision that is central to “Bye Bye Tiberias.” Reflecting on Abbass’ chosen exile and the ways in which the women of her family have influenced her and her mother’s lives, Soualem’s film portrays four generations of daring Palestinian women, including her great grandmother, Um Ali, her grandmother Nemat, and her great aunt Hosnieh.
“When my mother reads a poem about my great grandmother, we can feel that she is overwhelmed by emotion,” Soualem, who is also Abbass’ daughter, previously told Arab News.
“And the story of my great aunt combines all the tragedy of our family, because it’s the loss of place, it’s the separation from family, it’s the body separated from the soil. I couldn’t imagine being separated from my mother and sister for 30 years. And what is impressive is that, despite all of this, my great aunt seems to be a model of femininity and positivity for my mother. The one who lost the most is the one who taught her the most.”
Khoudri also took to Instagram to promote director Hakim Atoui’s “Blood Ties” in the Best Short Fiction Film category.
“When Ali and Leila visit their mother, who has just been discharged from hospital, they have some revelations to make. They are shocked to discover that she is now living with Elyo, a medical assistance robot. Lunch with this strange machine soon turns into a family feud,” the logline of the film reads.
The Harrods Hive networking hub returns to Saudi Arabia
Updated 12 January 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Harrods Hive Riyadh returned for its second edition on Saturday, this time hosted at the Diriyah Sales Center in Al-Diriyah. In partnership with the Saudi Youth Society, this edition focused on the evolution of luxury experiences and the engagement of audiences with culture and creativity.
The event featured afternoon tea and three insightful panels. The first panel, titled “Growing a Creative Community in the Spotlight,” discussed the importance of connection amid rapid evolution and growth in the Kingdom. The second panel, “Stories That Matter,” centered on owning one’s passion and pioneering change. The final panel, “Sparking Innovation Locally through Global Influencers,” explored the intersection of local and global creativity. Attendees had the opportunity to network with panelists and members of the Harrods senior leadership team.
The first panel included Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud, bespoke tailor Yousef Tammar, chef Mona Mosly, and cultural advisor Yasmine Rasool. An artist known for blending traditional Islamic art with modern abstraction — Al-Homoud emphasized the significance of connection in art.
“Art is a bridge that connects us all … when someone resonates with my work, it feels like a validation of my journey.”
Tammar, an emerging Saudi tailor studying in Rome, described his transformative journey as “like a fairy tale.” He reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced and expressed a desire to integrate his skills into Saudi culture, focusing on elevating the quality of traditional clothing. “I want to bring a new perspective to traditional designs,” he shared. “It’s about honoring our heritage while embracing innovation.”
Mosly shared her culinary inspirations rooted in her family's love for food, noting that “behind every chef is their mother.” She highlighted the importance of family in nurturing culinary passion, adding, “Food is not just about sustenance; it’s about connection and love. When I cook, I’m sharing a piece of my heart.” She also spoke on the challenges of her career, stating, “Every chef faces moments of doubt, but those are the moments that shape us. It’s crucial to remember why we began this journey.”
For her part, Rasool discussed the myriad opportunities available in Saudi Arabia for creatives. She expressed excitement about the potential for collaboration among diverse talents, stating, “This is the best time to be in Saudi … we're on the brink of a cultural renaissance, with so many voices ready to be heard. Together, we can create something truly magical.”
This year's theme of the networking hub aiming to connect industry experts with emerging talent was “The Connector,” The theme serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing meaningful bonds, both locally and globally — as Al-Humoud concluded, “In a world that often feels divided, art and creativity are what unite us.”
Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer
Updated 11 January 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: Dubai Opera played host to a world premiere this week that reimagines orchestral music for a new generation of music lovers.
“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer,” presented by The Limitless Orchestra, took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11.
The brainchild of Russian-German violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, the orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights.
The orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights. (Supplied)
Under Igudesman’s innovative “fail forward” approach, “The Limitless Orchestra” breathes new life into the traditional boundaries of symphonic artistry, blending timeless musical techniques with contemporary creativity to deliver an experience that is as daring as it is transformative.
“The world definitely does not need another orchestra, for sure, but I think the world needs this orchestra and other orchestras like it,” Igudesman said ahead of the show.
“The orchestra essentially has not changed, or an orchestra has not changed its format more or less for 150 years. It has become an institution, a very vital cultural institution. But everything that stays the same becomes stagnant and becomes a museum, and then dies eventually, and we do not want an orchestra to die. So, for me, I think launching the ‘Limitless’ orchestra with the help of my great friends is something that I just had to do, because I did not want to have the things that I love so much die, and I wanted to show a possible new way of doing things.”
The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss. (Supplied)
The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss, skillfully blending the cherished compositions of the Austrian king of the waltz with the epic film music of Hollywood legend Zimmer.
Zimmer, displaying his trademark humility, said: “I don’t think there are limitations to classical music. I would hate to go about ruining Bach or Mozart. That’s their music and we can have new music.
“I’m just a peasant of music. I write film music. But the weird thing is that every day I get to go out and hire an orchestra. I get to go out and play in arenas for 20,000 people. So, something is working with what I’m doing. I’m adding instruments to the orchestra, I’m adding playfulness.”
“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer” took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Supplied)
The program will showcase a dazzling fusion of classical and cinematic music through an innovative selection of compositions, including the opening piece, “Emperor Waltz, Sultan Style,” by Igudesman and Tristan Schulze, inspired by Johann Strauss.
Other pieces include “Sherlock Holmes Fantasy,” “From Time to Time — Inception Waltz,” and “The Banker’s Waltz.”
Igudesman, celebrated for his electrifying performances and whimsical approach to classical music, will perform original works and innovative compositions, accompanied by the mesmerizing voice of soprano Ekaterina Shelehova.
